Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer!
Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer is the most extensive site for Appalachian Mountain Dulcimer players and builders on the internet. Welcome!
Join Groups and Forum discussions that interest you, make new music friends. Share photos, music clips, and videos, resources for buying instruments, music, and learning materials. Ask your beginner questions and learn to play! All are welcome here no matter what your playing style, skill level, or musical tastes. Become a member of Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer (FOTMD) community -it's friendly and totally FREE!
After joining, please read the Site Rules before posting. You'll find your very own Member Profile Page by clicking on your name link at the top of any page. Click on different links to get familiar with where things are. Questions about using the site?- ask them HERE . You've come to exactly the right place to receive or give free help and encouragement in playing music. Here on FOTMD we all learn from each other as friends. Join our block party! -Strumelia
Latest Activity
@richard-streib
• 8 seconds ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @keltia:
Posted a new Comment on @keltia:
"It is so good to have you join Keltia. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. This is a great place to learn and to meet others who love the mountain..."
@richard-streib
• 2 minutes ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @strings-attached:
Posted a new Comment on @strings-attached:
"Welcome Strings Attached to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Glad you joined. Sounds like you are active with your dulcimer. You have come to the right..."
@ken-longfield
• 2 minutes ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @keltia:
Posted a new Comment on @keltia:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Keltia. It's good to have you aboard. How fortunate that you found a dulcimer and have started playing it. Enjoy your dulcimer journey. Let..."
@ken-longfield
• 4 minutes ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @strings-attached:
Posted a new Comment on @strings-attached:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Strings Attached. It's good to have you aboard. There are resources here to help you with both your practice and noter/drone playing with a..."
@ken-longfield
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Something to watch":
Posted a response to "Something to watch":
"Thanks Robin. I'm on the road the rest of this week and the beginning of next so I won't be watching for at least week. I do plan to join when I get back...."
@richard-streib
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @peeboo:
Posted a new Comment on @peeboo:
"So good to have you join Peeboo. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. This is a wonderful resource for lots of knowledge in all areas about the..."
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Something to watch":
Posted a response to "Something to watch":
"I'm glad Mark Brewer got back to you, KenL, with this advice! (I only know Rusty and he's on the radio side of things for WOUB.)
P.S.-A friend suggested..."
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Something to watch":
Posted a response to "Something to watch":
"Today I received a very nice reply from Mark Brewer who is the general manager of WOUB. Here is part of his reply:
"Best advice I can give you at this time..."
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "PLEASE Click to READ THIS before posting items for sale here. New requested small fee for sellers.":
Posted a response to "PLEASE Click to READ THIS before posting items for sale here. New requested small fee for sellers.":
"@carmen-armstrong , you posted in this pre-existing thread about rules for selling. Instead, please create a NEW separate thread about your dulcimer for sale..."
@carmen-armstrong
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "PLEASE Click to READ THIS before posting items for sale here. New requested small fee for sellers.":
Posted a response to "PLEASE Click to READ THIS before posting items for sale here. New requested small fee for sellers.":
"Bonnie Carol dulcimer... [Admin edit]"
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @peeboo:
Posted a new Comment on @peeboo:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Peeboo. You sound like you are ambitious; just starting out and with two dulcimers. I'm glad you found our site and joined. I look forward..."
@shanonmilan
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Fingering in Place of a Noter":
Posted a response to "Fingering in Place of a Noter":
"Dusty Turtle:
Jimmy, there is no single way to do this. What works best for you is what's best.
And I think you are right to work on one thing at a time...."
@hobbyhorse
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @davisjames: Cicada symphony.
Liked a forum discussions item created by @davisjames: Cicada symphony.
@richard-streib
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @ianhr:
Posted a new Comment on @ianhr:
"Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer Ianhr. Glad to have you join. So glad you are going to try the dulcimer. We are here to offer or support and..."
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Peonies in the Field:
Posted a new Comment on Peonies in the Field:
"Hey, we're glad you like it, @davisjames Jamie! We may just try a tune with Cicadas. The eclipse here was near totality and it was a marvel to see. There..."
@ken-hulme
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Something to watch":
Posted a response to "Something to watch":
"Yes... Donate one month, then cancel it..."
@karen-b
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Cicada symphony.":
Posted a response to "Cicada symphony.":
"Ken Kolodner wrote a great piece in honor of the cicadas during the last invasion that he plays here on the hammered dulcimer."
@davisjames
• 2 days ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Peonies in the Field:
Posted a new Comment on Peonies in the Field:
"Love the melody,playing and the birdsong counterpoint.Perhaps you are ideally situated to play along with the cicadas in their record year of matching..."
@dusty
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on 12 to go:
Posted a new Comment on 12 to go:
"That's tremendous, Randy. There are a few discussions here and there about how to use a noter to get the "in-between" chromatic notes, but your video shows..."
@davisjames
• 2 days ago
• comments: 11
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: The Fledgling
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: The Fledgling
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @ianhr:
Posted a new Comment on @ianhr:
"Welcome to FOTMD lanhr. It's good to have you aboard. Let us know if we can help you as you adapt to playing the mountain dulcimer. We are happy to answer..."
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Something to watch":
Posted a response to "Something to watch":
"Dusty Turtle:
Does the website actually check your IP address? I wonder if you could register an account with PBS and just choose WOUB as your local station...."
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @nate: Sympathetic Drones from Excess String Length Part 2
Liked a youtube item created by @nate: Sympathetic Drones from Excess String Length Part 2
@ken-hulme
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Something to watch":
Posted a response to "Something to watch":
"Sorry I misled you guys about that WOUB program availability. I couldn't get it either, in spite of the fact it showed on my Passport. I had our local WGCU..."
@nate
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Sympathetic Drones from Excess String Length Part 2:
Posted a new Comment on Sympathetic Drones from Excess String Length Part 2:
"Thank you very much Jamie. I think you are right about hammered dulcimer though I also do not play them. The extra string length on mandolins, arch top..."
@dusty
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Something to watch":
Posted a response to "Something to watch":
"Does the website actually check your IP address? I wonder if you could register an account with PBS and just choose WOUB as your local station. I'm going to..."
@nate
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on 12 to go:
Posted a new Comment on 12 to go:
"Showcasing some insane skill there Randy, and I enjoyed it a lot.
Thanks for sharing
Nate"
@robin-thompson
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Something to watch":
Posted a response to "Something to watch":
"Rusty (at WOUB-- he's radio program director, I think) got back to me after my first query to let me know he thought just WOUB-area folks could stream the..."
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Something to watch":
Posted a response to "Something to watch":
"Thanks, Robin. I sent an email to WOUB but it goes to a general inbox, so I don't know if anyone at the station will read it and respond. I'm sure they get a..."
@steve-battarbee
• 3 days ago
• comments: 11
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: The Fledgling
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: The Fledgling
@steve-battarbee
• 3 days ago
• comments: 5
Liked a music item created by @beth-t: She Moved Through the Fair
Liked a music item created by @beth-t: She Moved Through the Fair
@robin-thompson
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Liked a group discussions item created by @strumelia: 12 to go
Liked a group discussions item created by @strumelia: 12 to go
@robin-thompson
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on 12 to go:
Posted a new Comment on 12 to go:
"I don't know how you do that. I've tried to use a noter like you do when you play across the strings and just can't do it. You doing it here on just the..."
@robin-thompson
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Something to watch":
Posted a response to "Something to watch":
"@ken-longfield and all, I messaged a guy who works at WOUB. I think he's going to check if it's possible for someone outside the WOUB viewing area to..."
@jim-fawcett
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @claudine-nickens:
Posted a new Comment on @claudine-nickens:
"Hey Claudine, welcome aboard. Glad ya found us."
@jim-fawcett
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @bdurham:
Posted a new Comment on @bdurham:
"Hey Bdurham, welcome aboard. Glad ya found us."
@jim-fawcett
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @katie-s:
Posted a new Comment on @katie-s:
"Hey Katie, welcome aboard, Glad ya found us."
@jim-fawcett
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @eiji-higuchi:
Posted a new Comment on @eiji-higuchi:
"Hey Eiji, welcome aboard, Glad ya found us."
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Something to watch":
Posted a response to "Something to watch":
"Thanks, Dusty. I've seen Mountain Born a few times.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@dusty
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Something to watch":
Posted a response to "Something to watch":
"Well, if it will cheer you up, @ken-longfield, you can watch Mountain Born: The Jean Ritchie Story (1996)."
@ken-longfield
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Something to watch":
Posted a response to "Something to watch":
"Well, I'm disappointed. The live stream was not available outside of the WOUB viewing area. It was not available through my PBS Passport membership through..."
@richard-streib
• 4 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @eiji-higuchi:
Posted a new Comment on @eiji-higuchi:
"Welcome eiji-higuchi to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Great to have you join. Like Ken said, there are many great dulcimer builders in the US. As you..."
@robin-thompson
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @davisjames: Cicada symphony.
Liked a forum discussions item created by @davisjames: Cicada symphony.
@ken-longfield
• 4 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @eiji-higuchi:
Posted a new Comment on @eiji-higuchi:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Eiji. I hope you find a dulcimer to your liking. There are many fine builders of mountain dulcimers in the USA so you have a large number..."
Join a Group! All
Beginner players
Are you a brand new player? Join this group and ask all...
OLD STYLE Drone & Noter...
If you are an avid fan of the older traditional mountain...
Dulcimer Making
A group for those building dulcimers or interested in...
Modern/Chord style Players
Do you play chords and fret across all strings? Then...
Fingerpicking
A place to discuss fingerpicking styles of dulcimer...
Hymn and Worship Song Players
a place to share the hymns and worship songs we are playing.
The Music Theory Corner
A Group to talk about Music Theory!
Dulcimer Care & Maintenance
Tips, tricks and techniques to help care for your dulcimer.
Rockin' in the Free World
A group for those of you who like to play music not...
Mountain Dulcimer History &...
Share historical information and resources on the...
Technology/Software/Amplifying
to share info on all aspects of using tech: Amplifying,...
Singing with the Dulcimer
Here's a group for those of us who are interested in...
Arranging/composing for...
A group to discuss creating arrangements of songs and...
fans of Jean Ritchie
A group for those of us who have been inspired by...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
Help Me Learn this Song
Need help learning to play a particular song? Let another...
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
I have extra frets.....
This group is for those who have a 1 1/2 fret, an 8 1/2...
Dulcimer Therapy
This group is dedicated to those that visit, or have a...
Public Domain... or Not?
Ever wanted to record or post that tune, but you just...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
Home Studio Recording
Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
Dulcimer teachers
Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
Dulcimer Ancestors
Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks
Regardless of what name you favor, this group is a...
UK and European Mountain...
A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
Box Dulcimers
A group for those who play, make, or admire all types...
Chromatic Dulcimers
For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
Galax Dulcimer Lovers
Just a group to discuss all things Galax Dulcimer. Tips...
Call the Tune
"Call the Tune" is a place to post audio and video...
GIG TALK!
Do you play gigs? Tell us about your good and not-so-good...
Civil War era music
For discussing music that was played around the time of...
Scrap/Recycled wood...
A group for those thrifty and creative folk who like to...
Challenged Players
A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
Rosin the Bow!
Welcome to all who play music using a bow on any type of...
NorthEastern U.S. dulcimer...
For those of us who live in the northeastern United States.
Virginia Dulcimer Players
Just thought it would be neet to know how many other...
Prayers, Hugs, and Kindness
A group for private sharing and support, whether you are...
California Dulcimer Dreamin'
For dulcimer players living in or just visiting California
Texas Dulcimer Enthusiasts
Howdy ya'll! Come on by for a cup o' joe and jammin....
6 string dulcimers
Owning and playing a 6 string, regardless of tuning, and...
North Carolinians Plus
The Three Sides of North Carolina: Mountains / Piedmont /...
Kentucky Dulcimer Players
A group for any players from Kentucky where we can meet...
West Virginia players
A group just for dulcimer players in beautiful West...
Florida Sunshine Dulcimer...
Florida Dulcimer Players
Pacific Northwest Players
For players who live in or have strong connections to the...
FOTMD on the Road
Are your traveling, on vacation, on your way to a...
Missouri Dulcimer Players
for all the Show Me State dulcimer players
North of the Lakes
for any MD players in Upper Canada (aka Ontario) and the...
Indiana Players
Welcome all dulcimer players in the state of Indiana!...
Arkansas Mtn Dulcimer Players
For those who live in Arkansas and love playing the...
AussieTalk!
For dulcimer players in Australia.-Be sure to create...
Site Moderators Group
A private group to allow FOTMD moderators to communicate...
Latest Videos
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Showcase your music event or business here!
Showcase your music event or business here
Latest Forum Posts All
Something to watch
Posted: Wednesday April 24 2024, 9:42 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
PLEASE Click to READ THIS...
Posted: Tuesday April 23 2024, 3:39 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Fingering in Place of a Noter
Posted: Tuesday April 23 2024, 6:46 AM
By: @shanonmilan
By: @shanonmilan
Cicada symphony.
Posted: Monday April 22 2024, 5:51 PM
By: @Karen B
By: @Karen B
Question about the 6 1/2 fret
Posted: Friday April 19 2024, 8:32 PM
By: @jost
By: @jost
Rare Kurt Simerman...
Posted: Friday April 19 2024, 7:20 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Dulcimer by JR
Posted: Friday April 19 2024, 6:15 PM
By: @Alan from PA
By: @Alan from PA
John Stockard Dulcimer...
Posted: Thursday April 18 2024, 2:32 PM
By: @bdurham
By: @bdurham
Hindman Boys (and Gal)
Posted: Thursday April 18 2024, 9:28 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Concert Ukulele
Posted: Tuesday April 16 2024, 1:00 AM
By: @Jim Yates
By: @Jim Yates
Nickel allergy--nylon...
Posted: Monday April 15 2024, 6:36 AM
By: @shanonmilan
By: @shanonmilan
Does soundbox tension...
Posted: Monday April 15 2024, 12:18 AM
By: @Dwain Wilder
By: @Dwain Wilder
Introduce Yourself!
Posted: Sunday April 14 2024, 7:17 AM
By: @Beth T
By: @Beth T
Loran Harmon dulcimer
Posted: Saturday April 13 2024, 10:43 AM
By: @Jessica Comeau
By: @Jessica Comeau
Chapman Stick
Posted: Saturday April 13 2024, 7:53 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Music Go Round
Posted: Monday April 8 2024, 1:58 PM
By: @Lorilee
By: @Lorilee
Geoffrey R. Johnson Dulcimer?
Posted: Monday April 8 2024, 8:51 AM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
Tab Nonesuch on dulcimer
Posted: Saturday April 6 2024, 5:21 PM
By: @Mark Gilston
By: @Mark Gilston
WANTED Looking for DVD...
Posted: Friday April 5 2024, 10:13 PM
By: @John Petry
By: @John Petry
What's the exact difference...
Posted: Thursday April 4 2024, 7:49 PM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
John Calkin Dulcimer
Posted: Thursday April 4 2024, 3:52 AM
By: @shanonmilan
By: @shanonmilan
Bodhran (Irish Drum)
Posted: Tuesday April 2 2024, 11:53 PM
By: @StudentofRhythm
By: @StudentofRhythm
International Appalachian...
Posted: Tuesday April 2 2024, 7:17 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
If you could have just one...
Posted: Monday April 1 2024, 9:03 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Can anyone out there help...
Posted: Sunday March 24 2024, 1:39 PM
By: @Alegre1
By: @Alegre1
Fred Martin dulcimer help,...
Posted: Sunday March 24 2024, 1:25 AM
By: @shanonmilan
By: @shanonmilan
Vintage dulcimer...
Posted: Friday March 22 2024, 11:30 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Best instruction material?
Posted: Friday March 22 2024, 3:23 AM
By: @shanonmilan
By: @shanonmilan
Crack in the soundboard, by...
Posted: Thursday March 21 2024, 12:58 AM
By: @Dwain Wilder
By: @Dwain Wilder
Rest in Peace, Larkin Bryant
Posted: Wednesday March 20 2024, 9:49 AM
By: @dulcimerbob
By: @dulcimerbob
Read the Site Rules
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3 CHEERS to our Volunteer Greeters ...for making new members feel right at home :
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Benjamin Barr  |
Richard Streib  |
Ken Longfield  |
Single Instructor Events / Classifieds
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Membership in Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer is FREE to all. We gratefully accept donations towards the costs of maintaining this site- which includes hundreds of dollars annually in server and software costs. (you don't have to have a Paypal account to donate- Paypal accepts simple credit card payments as well.) A minimum donation of $5 please. Read HERE about FOUR different ways you can help support FOTMD. Questions? email contact@fotmd.com Together we can keep FOTMD up and running! Click the Paypal button below to make a quick site donation:
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